What now for Russell Wilson? Patriots, Raiders and different NFL workforce matches for 2024

Russell Wilson’s journey with the Denver Broncos could also be over.

A number of league sources confirmed Wednesday the Broncos will bench the quarterback for his or her last two video games and begin Jarrett Stidham. Denver (7-8) hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and visits the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. Wilson would be the No. 2 quarterback, a workforce supply mentioned.

Wilson expects to be reduce in March, per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. That will be simply two years after the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, three gamers and extra to Seattle for the quarterback, a nine-time Professional Bowler with the Seahawks.

Wilson has thrown for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season, his first beneath head coach Sean Payton, however his contract is a matter. Wilson is assured $39 million for 2024. He has $37 million in harm ensures that change into totally assured if he’s nonetheless on the roster on the fifth day of the 2024 league yr that begins in March.

So what does this imply for Wilson in 2024? If the Broncos do reduce him, who might need a necessity and curiosity? We recognized 4 groups — the Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Washington Commanders — that might doubtlessly be within the combine for Wilson, who turned 35 final month and is about to complete his twelfth season within the NFL.

The Athletic’s beat writers for these groups weighed in on why Wilson may be a match, and why he may not.

Las Vegas Raiders

Why Wilson may be a match: The one approach this may make any sense for the Raiders is that if Wilson is launched. They must discover a strategy to transfer on from their personal costly backup quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo — this offseason, they are going to incur a large useless cash hit in consequence and gained’t have any curiosity in taking over Wilson’s wage. With that being mentioned, Wilson has been strong this yr: He’s tenth in completion proportion, sixteenth in passing yards, tied for sixth in passing touchdowns and has thrown simply eight interceptions in 15 video games. He’s not a Professional Bowl-level participant, however he’s nonetheless a starting-caliber quarterback. If he’s keen to signal for affordable and the Raiders aren’t capable of draft their quarterback of the long run, maybe signing him to compete with Aidan O’Connell for the beginning job might make sense.

Why he may not: The Raiders actually, actually, really want to draft their quarterback of the long run this offseason. After shifting on from Derek Carr and shortly doing the identical with Garoppolo, they should get off the ageing veteran quarterback treadmill and reset their timeline. O’Connell has completed an OK job since taking up for Garoppolo contemplating the circumstances, however he doesn’t appear like he ought to be the long-term choice. One of the best path for the Raiders to seek out that participant is thru the draft, not including a declining veteran quarterback. — Tashan Reed, Raiders beat author

Minnesota Vikings

Why Wilson may be a match: This looks like a Hail Mary of types, which, contemplating Wilson is the topic, appears becoming. The Vikings’ quarterback plans for 2024 are unsure, as Kirk Cousins’ contract voids on the conclusion of the season and he’s prone to have many suitors. If Cousins indicators elsewhere, the Vikings might go after a high-end expertise within the draft. In that state of affairs, they’d doubtless signal a bridge quarterback to permit that teen to develop. If he’s launched, Wilson matches in that class alongside different mid- to lower-tier choices.

Why he may not: Cousins returning would instantly finish this dialogue. However even when he departs, it’s truthful to wonder if Wilson’s asking worth would make sense. Garoppolo, for instance, signed a three-year, $72.5 million contract with the Raiders in March. Wilson is older, however he’s additionally extra achieved. Say he wished a two-year, $40 million deal. The Vikings, who would doubtless draft a QB in Cousins’ absence, wouldn’t be prone to pay that type of cash to a short-term reply. Moreover, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell values accuracy over the center of the sphere and big-field imaginative and prescient in his QBs. Although Wilson has produced statistically this season, these qualities are in query, which is why the Broncos benched him within the first place. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat author

New England Patriots

Why Wilson may be a match: The quick reply is that the Patriots want a quarterback in 2024 after the tip of the Mac Jones period. It’s not clear but who might be making the important thing choices for the workforce this offseason, however Invoice Belichick praised Wilson earlier than their matchup final weekend, gained by the Patriots. If Belichick remains to be round, he may very well be all for a quick-fix plan somewhat than a rebuild, doubtlessly making Wilson an choice in New England.

Why he may not: If the Patriots find yourself with a top-two decide, there can be numerous causes to make the most of that and have a quarterback on a rookie contract. It’s additionally value noting that Wilson is 35 and will not match the Patriots’ hopes of discovering a long-term quarterback this offseason, particularly if Belichick isn’t making the selections going ahead. — Chad Graff, Patriots beat author

Washington Commanders

Why Wilson may be a match: Jacoby Brissett on Sunday will change into Washington’s thirty sixth beginning quarterback since 1993. That unhappy story means all choices should be thought-about. For the precise worth — which means wage; can’t see Washington buying and selling picks — Wilson may very well be considered as a viable choice ought to the franchise search a fast turnaround and a marquee participant.

Why he may not: Additional proof that point is a flat circle: Coach Ron Rivera made a push to commerce for Wilson in 2022, however Wilson had zero curiosity in becoming a member of the Commanders’ circus beneath proprietor Dan Snyder. Now with Snyder out — and Rivera doubtless exiting after this season — would Russ need to cook dinner within the nation’s capital? Even when he did, the Commanders are unlikely to have curiosity. New decision-makers will decide the depths of any rebuild, but it surely’s evident Washington’s holes transcend quarterback. If the Commanders keep the No. 3 decide within the draft, they may doubtlessly choose a extremely touted prospect. Brissett, a 2024 free agent, makes for a cleaner veteran to pair with a draft decide or Sam Howell. — Ben Standig

(Picture: Justin Edmonds / Getty Pictures)

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